Team

At Tiptoes we will focus on continuing our professional development and we will always take the opportunity to learn from each other as well as undertaking training courses on a regular basis.

ABOUT THE OWNERS

Sheetal and Anoop Shah - owners of Tiptoes Nursery.

I am an Actuary by profession and studied mathematics at university. I worked as a pensions consultant for almost a decade before deciding to change my career aspirations into childcare. The main driver for my decision to leave the corporate world was when I gave birth to our cheeky three year-old daughter Simran. The latest addition to our family is Akira who was born early in 2015 and is growing up fast! I realized the varying quality of childcare provided across Scotland and felt that many improvements can be made across so many aspects of the provision of child-care. My aim is to not just provide a safe place for children but instead to provide a child centred quality education where children develop and grow at their own pace.

Anoop has been in Scotland for over 15 years and came to Edinburgh in 2000 to study medicine at the University of Edinburgh. He qualified from medical school in 2005 and is now working as a cardiologist at the Royal Infirmary Edinburgh and a researcher at the University of Edinburgh.

Both Anoop and I were born in East Africa and enjoy the outdoors. We have travelled extensively and have tackled trekking in the Himalayas, climbed Mt Kilimanjaro and up to the base camp at Mt Everest. We understand the benefits of spending time outdoors and we hope to spread this sense of adventure to all the wee ones at Tiptoes.

MEET THE TEAM

Karen Dickson- Nursery Manager

I have been working at Tiptoes with us since 2014 and have worked in childcare for the past almost 11 years. I have also recently completed a SVQ Level 4 in Early Years and Childhood Education. I was a team leader at Tiptoes Nursery and have now taken on the role of the manager here. I have a very keen interest in learning outdoors and am looking forward to extending this further at Tiptoes Nursery in my role as a Nursery Manager. I am keen to develop and nurture the staff team to be able to achieve the best outcomes for children.

I am currently doing a university degree in Childhood Practice.

Michelle Russell - Early Years Practitioner

I have been a qualified Nursery Practitioner since 2002 and I also have a Higher National Certificate in Additional Support Needs. I have worked in a range of settings across Falkirk as well as Edinburgh. Being able to see the pride and joy children have when they achieve something makes me motivated to do my role. Their smiles mean a thousand words. I joined Tiptoes in June 2016 and I am really looking forward to growing myself here. I am currently working towards my SVQ4 to progress my career in childcare.

Erin Robertson - Early Years Practitioner

I joined Tiptoes in July 2014 after being awarded an apprenticeship through Carousel Training. After gaining experience and knowledge from practice I have successfully completed my SVQ level 3.

Stacey Harris – Early Years Practitioner (Currently on Maternity Leave)

I had worked in Tiptoes previously and left to go travelling. I have recently come back to join the team at Tiptoes in March 2016. I am a qualified nursery practitioner. Once qualified, I had the opportunity to work with Independent Living Services which helped me gain valuable experience working with families and children with special needs.

Samantha Birrell – Early Years Practitioner

I joined Tiptoes in January 2017. I studied Early Education and Childcare as a subject in my 6th year of school.

This then lead me into studying NC and HNC Early Education and Childcare over 2 years. I qualified in June 2015 and have worked in a private nursery for 18 months prior to Tiptoes.

Frankie Martin - Early Years Practitioner (Currently on Maternity Leave)

I have been a qualified nursery practitioner for 5 years now. I have ample experience in childcare and have worked in many different childcare settings. I look forward to helping Tiptoes grow and being a part of an ever growing team.

Sarah Emmerson - Early Years Practitioner

I qualified as an Early Year Practitioner in 2011. I have worked at Tiptoes Nursery for nearly 5 years. I have just come back from maternity leave and don’t feel like I’ve been away as I have had a very warm welcome back. Looking forward to the future and achieving more.

Linda has worked in the catering and hospitality industry for the last 20 years and most recently owned her own cafe.

Check out our menu section for more information on the treats Linda prepares for us on a day to day basis.

Morgan McDonald - Early Years Apprentice

I recently joined the Tiptoes team as an early years apprentice. I am looking forward to developing my knowledge in childcare and gaining my full qualification.

Caroline O'Neill - Early Years Practitioner

I have been a qualified nursery practitioner for 9 years. I joined Tiptoes Nursery in July 2017. I have vast experience in childcare and have worked in different childcare settings. I look forward to furthering my career at Tiptoes.

Louise Heathcote - Early Years Practitioner

I have just recently joined the team at Tiptoes after working as a family support practitioner. I have worked in childcare for over 12 years where I have gained my SVQ 2 & 3 in childcare and Learning & Development. I am looking forward to learning and gaining more knowledge regarding children and the outdoor environment.

Natasha McConnachie - Early Years Practitioner

I qualified in June 2015 after completing my NC and HNC before going to work in another private nursery for two year prior to joining Tiptoes in August 2017 and was lucky enough to join them at NME awards to help me settle into the team. I look forward to furthering my own knowledge and continuing my time at Tiptoes.

Elle Merrilees - Modern Apprentice

I recently joined the Tiptoes team a Modern Apprentice. I am excited to having joined the Tiptoes team to develop my knowledge in childcare and gaining my full qualification.

Alison Hamilton - Early Years Practitioner

I moved from Northern Ireland in 2002. I qualified with NVQ2 & NVQ3. I worked in a nursery in Stirling 2003 until 2018. I have done a lot of training over the years to further my knowledge. I look forward to lots more training and caring for the children. I love to see all the different characters in children shine.

Maria Inserny - Early Years Practitioner

I am a qualified and experienced practitioner holding an Associate Degree in Childhood Education. I have held numerous positions such as Teacher, Assistant Teacher, After school teacher. I have 6 years of experience with children between the ages of 0 - 6 years old. I have had the opportunity to work in different environments and countries and this has helped me to expand and enhance my knowledge. I am originally from Venezuela and can speak Spanish. I am currently happily residing in Scotland.

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